The Breggia Gorges: the cement works canyon and a hundred million years written in the rock

Switzerland's first geological park is forty minutes from Como: the Breggia stream has cut a gorge that lines up a hundred million years of strata side by side. Next to it stands the industrial archaeology of the old Morbio cement works, restored and open to visitors.

The route

From the Mulino del Ghitello we drop into the gorge along the stream, pass under the walls that geologists come from all over Europe to study, and climb back to the cement trail, among the kilns and silos of the old factory.

We finish on the upper loop, with views over the Mendrisiotto and its merlot vineyards: little climbing, a great deal of history.

Who it's for

• families with children: our easiest walk in Switzerland
• anyone who walks in winter, when there is snow higher up and none here
• anyone who likes places where nature and factories met

Good to know

Inside the park you stay on marked paths: it is a reserve. After heavy rain some passages along the stream close and the coordinator changes the loop. The coordinatord tour of the cement works is not included.

You are crossing into Switzerland

A valid ID in your pocket, not in your rucksack: Switzerland is not in the European Union and border checks do happen.

Mountain rescue is charged for: in Switzerland the helicopter is billed to the person who calls it. Guiddy accident insurance is included, but a Rega card (about €40 a year) or a policy covering rescue costs in Switzerland is what we suggest to everyone.

Swiss francs: huts and cable cars almost always take cards, but a few valley huts are still cash only. The European health card is valid in Switzerland for emergency care.

If your dog comes along: Switzerland requires a microchip, an EU pet passport and a valid rabies vaccination, given at least 21 days beforehand. Without them the dog is turned back at the border.

Getting there

A9 to Chiasso, then Balerna and Morbio Inferiore: fifty minutes from Milan's western ring road. By train to Balerna or Mendrisio, then bus.

By car you need the Swiss motorway vignette (CHF 40, valid for the calendar year) if you use the motorway: you buy it at the border, at petrol stations near the crossing, or online.